Making a Difference

What is a learner pro
fi
 le?
A 
learner pro
fi
le describes the ways in which a student learns best. A 
comprehensive learner pro
fi
le includes information on student interests, 
learning preferences and styles, and differences related to gender, culture and 
personality. It also might include information on student learning strengths, needs 
and types of supports that have been successful in the past. A learner pro
fi
le needs 
to be dynamic, as individual learners are constantly growing and changing.
Learning preferences and styles
Learning preferences typically refer to the general environment in which a student 
learns best. This may include preferences for:
a quiet versus noisy room
• 
a busy room with lots to look at and interact with versus a bare room with 
• 
few distractions
a movement friendly room versus one in which sitting still is valued
• 
a 
fl
exible schedule versus a 
fi
xed schedule
• 
a warm versus a cool room to work in.
• 
Learning styles typically refer to how a student tends to use senses to learn.
Rita and Ken Dunn (1987) identify three types of sensory learning styles.
Auditory learners
• 
—like to hear directions aloud, discuss what they are 
learning, use word games, puzzles, riddles and songs, work with partners, 
do choral reading, teach others for clari
fi
cation.
Visual learners
• 
—like to draw pictures to represent ideas, use games and 
puzzles, use visual clues to remember, go on 
fi
eld trips for a “being there” 
experience, use visualization to see pictures in their minds, use graphics 
and 
fl
owcharts, use videos for review, look at books, watch others to see 
what to do.

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